A Vegetarian’s Survival Guide To The Hottest Destinations In 2018

Being a vegetarian traveller can be tough. You find yourself in places where you can’t get the right kind of food, simply because almost all the locals are meat-lovers! And not finding the right kind of food can ruin the whole experience and dampen your spirits. Totally relatable?

Well, fear not. You don’t always have to eat out of supermarkets, stick to salads and breads or pack your vegetarian meals. Because, like these food bloggers, you’ll find that even the most ‘meat-loving’ places have great vegetarian dishes. Here are 7 of 2018’s hottest destinations, where you’ll be surprised to find that the veg food is not only good, but heavenly. They are sure to lift your spirits:

1) Jordan

Source: Saffron Trail Blog

The first on our list is this Middle-Eastern country. Yes, it’s known for its mouthwatering kebabs and meat-based food, but what will come as a surprise is the range of vegetarian dishes that lie in wait for you – falafels, hummus, delicious pastries and more.

2) Netherlands

While the capital city has considerable number of fast-food places and restaurants as options, you won’t be disappointed if you are a veg foodie looking to try the local cuisine.

There is a good range of dishes that are vegetarian (or can be made vegetarian). Like thick pea soup that can substitute even as a full meal. Delicious apple pies. And pancakes!

Soft, fluffy and delicious, Dutch pancakes are famous world-over. And the best part is that you’ll find a lot of veggie versions of pancakes here, and get to eat them in all forms: full meal, dessert or savoury. Whether it’s toppings of cheese, fruits, mushrooms or a wide range of syrups, you will enjoy every moment you spend eating them. And Soumya (@soumna_travelbooksfood) experienced just that :

3) Greece

Source: The Wanderfulme

Popular for its lamb, beef, and pork-based dishes, Greece also does have multiple vegan and vegetarian dishes for travellers (think lots of greens, hummus and salads). However, there’s a trick to making your food options more exciting: some of these popular meat-based dishes need not, umm, contain meat!

4) Japan : The Golden Sesame Ramen

It’s almost impossible to find a full vegetarian or vegan in Japan, mostly because Japanese cuisine has fish as its central dish and it’s found in a wide range of dishes. So much so that you might have to say ‘no fish’ when ordering a ‘vegetarian’ dish in a restaurant. That being said, there are vegetarian options that you’ll find to be good, like shojin ryori (Buddhist food), vegetarian tempura (battered fried vegetables), and the golden sesame ramen.

This soupy noodle dish is unique to Japan, with a broth that is tangy, slightly sweet and thick, making it a very hearty and flavourful meal. Here’s what Nada (@onearabvegan ) , a vegan blogger had to say about it:

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5) Italy

Okay, this is definitely an easy place to explore if you’re a vegetarian. Italy has great options, be it pizzas, eggplant-based dishes, bread and lots of olives.

And while heavy, flavourful meals are sure to lift your spirits, it doesn’t always have be the case. Sometimes, it’s the dessert that makes all the difference and vegetarian blogger Salonee gives us a perfect example – the chocolate calzone:

6) Taiwan – The Hot Pot

Source: Vegan Taiwan

As long as you use the phrase “Wo Chi Su” (I eat vegetables), you’ll find the right kind of food here. Although it has a meat-eating local population, vegans and vegetarians will find Taiwan to be a very friendly place with lots of vegetarian restaurants.

And one of our favourites is a particular dish which you get to make with ONLY your favourite ingredients! Sounds exciting? Well, preparing the hot pot is just that, as food blogger Roxanne (@thetinytaster ) describes:

7) Turkey

The last in our list is Turkey, a place that just treats vegetarians right. Why? Because, in Turkey, most dishes have a vegetarian base, with meat added later. From vegetarian crepes and varieties of bread to delicious pastries, the choices are endless.

And this time again, we’ve decided to feature a collection of dishes that makes for a rich meal : the Turkish breakfast! It is sure to help you kickstart your day feeling alive and fully energetic, and Revati Charles ( @differentdoors ) tells us why:

So, no matter where you’re headed next, we’re sure that there will be delicious vegetarian dishes lying in wait, to surprise and cheer you up! Have you felt this before? To be in a strange land, and find great food in places that you least expected? Tell us about your happy food moments in the comments section. 🙂

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